​Cliff Fendlerbush, False Mock-orange,Fendlera rupicola,Hydrangea Family (Hydrangeaceae)

Found on dry, rocky slopes
Seen blooming in May in Red Wash Canyon

Plants seem to be blooming at least two weeks later than usual this year, maybe because of the cold spring; even the Dandelions didn’t appear until April. This Cliff Fendlerbush usually blooms in mid-April. It is a many-branched shrub growing in a columnar shape from 3 to 10 feet tall with tough, dark stems. The leaves are narrow and thick. In spring, the branch tips are covered with a profusion of pink buds which mature into brilliant white fragrant flowers. Flowers have 4 petals which narrow to the center. It was used by early Native Americans to kill lice and taken after accidentally swallowing ants. It was also used to make arrows, forks, planting sticks, knitting needles and to make ceremonial items and in ceremonial medicine. Source.

If you are trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.